Audi A4 2000

6499 Views 19 Replies 13 Participants Last post by volcanoblack, Apr 24, 2006

AudaciousA400

Discussion Starter · Aug 14, 2005

I recently bought a 2000 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro. I bought it because I fell in love and did some research on Audi's. Anyhow, after taking it to its 50000 mile routine maintenance, the service manager (Audi dealership) tells me I will need to service these guys every 10000 miles, to only use synthetic oils, and that it will need a timing belt at 60000 miles. Now I have read on the internet that this model year (and others) have had significant transmission/engine problems, requiring engine replacement. Is all this true? Who knows about this? Is there anything I can do to avoid the engine replacemt? Have I just bought a big money pit?
Thanks for your replies,
Dawn

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

AllWheelGrip

· #2 · Aug 15, 2005

those people who had major engine problems didnt take care their car
a car is only as reliable as its owner
if u to the regular maintance, proper engine warm up and cool downs you should be alrite

RickT

· #3 · Aug 15, 2005

not true... 'a car is only as reliable as its owner' I have a A4 2.0 Sport 2001 which had a new engine @ 12k - i did my own reaseach and found that the 1.8T and 2.0 from 2000 and 2001 had some problems with over heating and poor performance when warm. As i said i had a new engine following a broken Crackshaft at about 90mph, bang!! i was told it was a common problem and not to worry..

Just so your not worrried of anything, if anything like that was going to go wrong with your motor or any of the other problems you have read, the chances are it would of happended already, how many miles have you on it??

Cheers

Rick T

AudaciousA400

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 16, 2005

What do you mean by proper warm=ups and cool downs? My car has 52500 on it. It's engine lite just came on....now what?
Thanks,
Dawn

AudaciousA400

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 16, 2005

Rick I have 52500 on my Audi. Engine just came on recently....is this a true warning or standard emissions type check?
Thanks,
Dawn

RickT

· #6 · Aug 16, 2005

HI,

Engine light - tell me about it! mine has been on a week, and i have still not got down to the root cause, I have brought an OBD2 code reader, which you plug into the port under the dash and mines come back with no fault?? weid.. The engine light can come on for many reasons,,, 100's in fact. . it could be anything,

Does the car appear to be running ok tho? it could be something simple as for eg the common sensor.. the coolant sensor on the bottom of the raditor, it cost me £22 for the sensor and 1 hour labour, (I know a car garage by me who specailist in audis and charge a bargin rate, (dunno who much Audi charge you in the US but here in England it is £115 GBP per hour,, about $190 at a guess!! )

The other chap when he said let it warm up and cool down i guess he meant becuase of the Turbo, its best to let it warm up a little before driving, but on the Audi as long as the take it steady for the 1st mile or so it will be fine, the cooling down, is when you stop, just let the engine idle for about 10 seconds before turn off to slow the turdo down.. (i had to do this on my Subura impreza WRX)

Cheers

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bhb399mm

· #7 · Aug 16, 2005

moved to right forum :57:

wrx_is_out

· #8 · Sep 29, 2005

the cooling down, is when you stop, just let the engine idle for about 10 seconds before turn off to slow the turdo down.. (i had to do this on my Subura impreza WRX)

correct me if im wrong, but i just bought a 2000 1.8t and i still have my 04 subaru for sale. Now, in my subaru i have what is called a turbo timer which takes readings from my o2 sensors and decides how long to keep my car running. The purpose of "cooling down" as you say, is to let your turbo cool down before shutting off not to slow down the turbo. The turbo runs off of your intake, so if your not taking in air your not "spooling up" your turbo. In my subaru sometimes the turbo timer would keep my car running for up to about 3 min if i drove my car hard and 45-60sec when i didn't. Don't just guess go out and buy yourself a turbotimer from Apexi on e-bay for about 90 bucks and save that turbo.

vitonxl

· #9 · Oct 3, 2005

I have that same model. EVERY and I mean EVERY bad review was because of the timing belt, because they never changed it. Or they don't use synthetic oil. Mobil 1 I prefer and Audi oil filter (much larger, more flow). Also make sure you have the mass airflow sensor and air pump is fixed under recall. the previous owner never paid attention to the recall and I had problem. Audi was awesome about fixing it. They came and picked up my car 45 mins away from the dealership and even replace the ECU just incase they said. Even gave me a couple of oil changes.
Don't worry you have a great vehicle. I have 64,000 miles on mine. I haven't changed my timing belt. My friend is changing mine. Beats paying a dealership to change the belt and water pump for 1200.

dede sultan

· #10 · Mar 24, 2006

what do you mean recal? when did they publish that recall? I have exactly the same car, what should I do now?

loadtoad24

· #11 · Mar 24, 2006

use systhetic oil only change oil about every 3000 and change timing belt sparks and suspension parts and the car will last for ever the tanny issues are just because morons romp on them, the trans is sealed and you cant add fluid. as far as money wise thank god u got a 1.8 and not 2.8

loadtoad24

· #12 · Mar 24, 2006

one other thing if you chose to do a timing belt replace the waterpump while your at it becasue the tensoiner for the timing belt is the water pump.

volcanoblack

· #13 · Mar 26, 2006

Attached is Audi maintenance schedule for 2000 year. Oil change interval is 5000 miles. Yes, use synthetic oil. The only reason for this is the possibility of a sludge build up that eventually could wreck your motor. Audi will only warranty the repair if you can document the oil changes. This is best done by going to the Audi dealer for oil changes. It is cheap insurance.

Changing my timing belt, tensioner etc. was only $600 at the Audi Dealership.

Turbo timers are not necessary - and only take money out of your pocket (IMHO). All you have to do is let the car idle for 10 - 30 seconds once you get to your destination before you shut it off. Most turbo timers simply get spliced into the ignition circuit so you can shut the key off, get out and going on your way and the motor still runs (for a user adjustable time). Slow down and enjoy the ride. I don't know how the alarm circuit would work with a timer if you get out and set the alarm if the car is still running.

Turbo is running at more rpm than motor and requires oil pressure (from motor running) to keep the bearings lubed. This is especially true if you rev the motor to 4-5000 rpm then shut it down - the turbo is spinning at something like 10,000 rpm. The engine shuts off and stops, the turbo keeps spinning, not because it is being spun by incoming air, it's on bearings with nothing to stop it. Do this enough and you will burn out the turbo. Normal driving, not as much an issue.

I have to disagree with wrx_is_out, the purpose of waiting is to let the turbo stop spinning from high rpm and stay lubricated by the engine oil. And ditto for disagreeing with loadtoad24, the water pump is separate from the TB tensioner and dampener, although as he does say, if you are already in there, why not replace the water pump too. (not because they are related)

VB

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a499

· #14 · Apr 13, 2006

Hey there,

u all seem very knowledgable about the 1.8t 1999-2000 timing belt issues
I have a 99 avant quattro in USA. Why does the scheduled maintenance say 105,000 mi for timing belt change?
Mine snapped at 80k and the dealer said there was some sort of 'JTA inspection recall' that I never heard about b/c I wasnt doing my regular services at Audi dealer?? Do I have that right? Anyone heard of that recall?

:liebe011:

angelo

· #15 · Apr 21, 2006

Who's yr dealer ? I live in the Isle of Man and we lost our Audi dealer.

B5AUDIS4

· #16 · Apr 21, 2006

Originally posted by volcanoblack@Mar 25 2006, 06:40 PM
Attached is Audi maintenance schedule for 2000 year. Oil change interval is 5000 miles. Yes, use synthetic oil. The only reason for this is the possibility of a sludge build up that eventually could wreck your motor. Audi will only warranty the repair if you can document the oil changes. This is best done by going to the Audi dealer for oil changes. It is cheap insurance.

Changing my timing belt, tensioner etc. was only $600 at the Audi Dealership.

Turbo timers are not necessary - and only take money out of your pocket (IMHO). All you have to do is let the car idle for 10 - 30 seconds once you get to your destination before you shut it off. Most turbo timers simply get spliced into the ignition circuit so you can shut the key off, get out and going on your way and the motor still runs (for a user adjustable time). Slow down and enjoy the ride. I don't know how the alarm circuit would work with a timer if you get out and set the alarm if the car is still running.

Turbo is running at more rpm than motor and requires oil pressure (from motor running) to keep the bearings lubed. This is especially true if you rev the motor to 4-5000 rpm then shut it down - the turbo is spinning at something like 10,000 rpm. The engine shuts off and stops, the turbo keeps spinning, not because it is being spun by incoming air, it's on bearings with nothing to stop it. Do this enough and you will burn out the turbo. Normal driving, not as much an issue.

I have to disagree with wrx_is_out, the purpose of waiting is to let the turbo stop spinning from high rpm and stay lubricated by the engine oil. And ditto for disagreeing with loadtoad24, the water pump is separate from the TB tensioner and dampener, although as he does say, if you are already in there, why not replace the water pump too. (not because they are related)

VB

Quoted post

Actually, no the purpose of a turbo timer is not only to keep the engine running to lube them, but to also cool down the turbos. When you drive your car hard, and shut if off only after say 10 seconds of idle. You're running a HUGE risk of coaking the oil on the bearings. This is where a turbo timer comes into play. Granted, not needed, but it takes the hassle out of waiting for the car to cool down. After a heated run, you DO NOT want to shut it off right away. Heat is the number one killer of bearings and turbos. Also, any of the turbo timers can be wired to run with stock, or aftermarket alarms. I have a Greddy unit in my car. And, the reason I put it in....was because the jaskass who had my car before had run the piss out of it and coaked the bearings. I don't know about you guys, but about 800 a turbo isn't pocket change for me. It's a cheap investment for a expensive part.

bik

· #17 · Apr 22, 2006

I bought a used audi-1997-A4-1.8T with 69000 miles.
I read so much stuff going on with timing belt in many places online.
I am confused. I have no service records of my car.
So can I just go to dealer and he 'll tell me for free about the situation of my timing belt?
And thanx for that turbo timer idea. I am going to buy it rightaway.
:beer:

volcanoblack

· #18 · Apr 22, 2006

The recall on my '99.5 was a "JK" recall and is an inspection recall only to look at the timing belt. Although the scheduled maintenance replacement is listed by Audi as 105,000 miles, every dealer I know of, and as members here have said, recommends replacement of the belt at approximately 60,000 miles. My replacement at the dealer was only $600.

As far as a turbo timer goes, I still think it's a waste of money. Sure, you can jump out of your car and have the timer keep the car running - but what's the point of being in such a hurry. As far as the purpose, is it to let the turbo cool down, or to keep oil flowing to the bearing, I would clarify my point, it's to keep oil flowing to the bearings so the bearings do not overheat as the turbo slows down.

I agree with others that after a hard run at the track, or if for some reason you drive your car really hard just before arriving at your destination, then let the car idle for a bit to cool everything off including the turbo and exhaust manifild. On the street, if you drive the last few minutes of your commute in a leisurely manner, then shutting the motor off after 10 seconds of idle in your driveway should be just fine. My opinion of course, ymmv.

I love my 99.5 Avant 1.8T, it's a great car. Hope all of you new owners enjoy yours too.

VB

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bik

· #19 · Apr 22, 2006

Thanx buddy..
but could you tell me what this recall is?
I just dont get it... too new for these kinda terms....

volcanoblack

· #20 · Apr 24, 2006

Bik,

You can call your dealer (or go in) and give him your VIN and he will be able to tell you if any of the recalls on your car have or have not been done.

The JK recall is for the dealer to inspect your timing belt - that's all. Just look at it. If it needs replacement, then that's up to you. It is about an hour worth of labor.

Technically this is not a true recall, in that they do not replace anything that has been proven to be a defective part.

There is also the JE recall which is an inspection of the lower control arms of the front suspension. Again, this is an inspection only - don't know what they do either way good or bad.

If any other listers have additional actual recall codes from the dealer that they can post here, it would be a great list to get. And why not post Technical Service Bulletins too.

I'll start:

TSB #99-04, Group 66 dated 5/18/99
This bulletin details how to check and fix excessive wind noise coming from the outside mirrors. I am attaching the TSB.

Regards to all,

VB

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